(Image: Ella Craven-Sands)

The Regional Academies of Sport (RAS) network is celebrating an outstanding achievement, with six academy athletes selected in Hockey Australia’s 2026/27 Under-18 National Futures Squads.

Hunter Academy of Sport athletes Albert Forbes and Ella Craven-Sands, Northern Inland Academy of Sport athlete Luke Schmude, South West Sydney Academy of Sport’s Isaac Braganza and Anneliese Cullen, and North Coast Academy of Sport athlete Max Venables have earned selection in the national program, recognising them among Australia’s most promising young hockey players.

Their selections follow impressive performances at the 2026 Under-18 Australian Hockey Championships, where New South Wales enjoyed a highly successful campaign. The NSW Men’s team claimed the national title, while the NSW Women’s team secured the bronze medal, with all four Regional Academies of Sport athletes playing key roles throughout the tournament.

Athletes were selected following extensive evaluation by Hockey Australia’s National Selection Panels, with performances at the 2026 Under-18 National Championships, positional requirements, age profiles and long-term national team potential all considered.

Ella and Anneliese have been named in the Women’s Under-18 National Futures Squad, while Albert, Luke, Isaac and Max have all been selected in the Men’s Under-18 National Futures Squad.

The National Futures Program provides Australia’s emerging hockey talent with enhanced coaching, education and high-performance development opportunities as they continue their journey towards future Burras, Jillaroos, Kookaburras and Hockeyroos selection.

With six athletes selected across the national squads, the announcement reinforces the Regional Academies of Sport’s commitment to developing talented young athletes and creating genuine pathways from regional New South Wales to the highest levels of Australian sport.